All hands on deck for the RightyLeftyDaveur!

Schlitz (11) vs Cadavers (11)
Monday July 20
Canton 9:00pm

4 – 4 Tie

Even handed. Opposite handed. Open handed. Under handed. The night of the hands would have it all. The Righty versus Lefty breakdown was a smash success, even if in interesting or unpredicted ways. This game had a wealth of interesting angles and plays. A very good game. Also easily the most confusing and frustrating game we’ve had in a while. Eveyone played by the management mandated “no set positions”… well everyone except Pete… and the game was a fun experiment for a night.
The idea was to shake things up and get people playing in places they normally wouldn’t. Defensmen playing forward and vice versa. We had regular goaltender Brian Carey skating out with the LeftySuds. They would also feature a Off handed guest appearance by Dan Herbert playing with a wrong handed stick. Yup, DWH was in the house but the only place to play was with the Leftys… so he left his regular stick at home and played a good game… backwards. Here’s the Suds Roster:
Lizzy in net
DWH and Brian, Larry, iJosh, Jeff, Howard, Roman, Steve, Campbell, Jasse, Hammitt, Goody, Dr.Pounds, and Matvey.
The RedRightwingZombies would feature some more visiting teammates from the winter, Dan Gregson and Matt Elliot. CEO Kilroy was between the pipes and was joined in the Red by Dave Di, Blake, George, Greg, KenMitch, Neil, Kevin, Pete, and Chuck.
The game was confusing from the start. We were certain on the Gold side that George would have the Red regimented and prepared with a pregame chalk talk, but we figured we’d counter that with complete disregard for preparation and basically kept saying “yeah, just talk out there… talk to each other”. I don’t really have any defense for this line of thinking but for whatever reason everyone seemed to get with the program and over the boards for both squads.
The game started pretty fast with complete madness on the benches by the third shift. A little sloppy but clearly some chances. The skaters were going to have chances, and there would be strange matchups all over the place. Both goalies made good stops in the early going and the game would start to be “contested”. Mike Jasse and George would get together and exchange some pleasantries. In fact they felt so strongly about it the Zeebs asked them both to take a rest for a few. They weren’t the only Red and Gold shirts doing some mutual roughing and needing separate boxes.
The game would see its first score just moments later when Larry would provide some nice finish on iJosh’s attemept/pass. Gold 1-0 at the 11 minute mark. Things would continue to look good for the LeftySuds as they carried the play for a few minutes and topped it off at 8:30 with a Steve Baker score on a feed from Mike Hammitt. That put the ever dangerous confidence in the Suds and things sort of got rocky immediately afterward.
At about 3 minutes Dave Diloretto would put one past Lizzy to pull back within one. Credit Matty Elliot on the assist on Dave’s goal. The First would end 2-1.

The Red had moved the momentum though and scored moments after the start of the second to tie it up. Neil Shah would provide the talent and Dave the pass. All tied up the game would just be one long chaotic flow for the next 12 minutes of playing time. Somewhere in there Greg James and Brian Carey would get tangled up and there would be some words and feelings expressed. Likewise things were getting interesting in the slot in front of both keepers. Somewhere in that period Jeff and Dave had some moments in front of Kilroy… and I just have to say, next time Mr.Diloretto is going to need to apply for a “hall pass” from Mrs. Blogger if he’s going to be that friendly. It was all good an all in fair play, but I’m here to tell you there was plenty of “fairness” going on out there.

Well, you had to know the Zeebs wouldn’t let it all go forever and the game would take its next turn when Mike Campbell for the Gold would be called for a trip at 3:40. This would be followed five seconds later with a Kevin Parker bid that would end the penalty and put the Red up 3-2. Credit Dave (him again) and Pete on the assists.
Just to make the meltdown complete the gold would again have Zebra trouble when Hammitt would get a whistle for a rough with a minute left in the period. We would hear from Dr. Jasse again who would be called just before the end of time for a slash, interestingly enough on George again. The second period would close out with the Red ahead and the game very much up for grabs.

The third period would open with the Gold still killing a penalty, but they would get themselves under control long enough to get that accomplished. This good fortune gave the Gold a little boost when they would get a bounce about 2 minutes in. Jeff made a long bid and while being chopped down by Pete fumbled a shot at Matt. The shot was so wide it hit Dave who apparently had to be involved in even our scoring and it deflected into the net. That would tie the game, much to Jeff’s surprise and things looked pretty good.

Of course the Red would come right back a minute and a half later and would take the lead right back when Cheatin' Pete Capraro would score on a hard work effort, assisted by Matty E again, and... you guessed it... Dave. This came with 13 and a half left in the game.

The Red would be able to hold that lead for a full 6 minutes of grind time until Larry would take it on himself to change the game again. Larry was working hard all night but on this occasion outdid himself... and everyone else on the ice. SW Lawrence would make a nice move in the offensive zone, would go around a couple guys, through a couple more, then while falling he would get the shot off and bank it into the net for an EPIC game tying goal at 7:33 remaining. Larry clearly laid it out and got what he wanted and everyone took notice. Great work by him.

The rest of the way was full on confusion grind. Thankfully no further penalties for either side. But there was some "rules" infractions. Pete would get some unwanted recognition when he made a not so subtle move to switch with Greg James (so Greg could play D) right before a faceoff. This had the Gold howling and CEO Kilroy scolding his own player. In fairness Pete and Greg switched right back. It wasn't unnoticed however that the Red D had a very familiar look all night. George spend a lot of time at the right D and with time dwindling somehow Dave, George and Greg seemed to be manning the points... I'm just sayin'...

And after the remaining minutes ticked away neither team got much of a chance and we were left with a tidy 4 - 4 tie to end the night.

Game Stars:

3rd Star: Cheatin' Pete Capraro (just kidding...) with a nice goal and an assists. Pete is never short on effort, enthusiasm and strong play. Another good showing... even if the Coon of Shame walked by your truck... twice... slowly...

2nd Star: Larry with a pair of nice goals for the Gold. The game tying goal being the play of the night, and a great effort all the way around for number 16. Way to go.

1st Star: This one could shake the SW rankings to the core. Dave Diloretto with a four point night that really was five if you count the goal they gave to Jeff but went in off of Dave. Three helpers and a goal for himself and a certain presence on the ice. You know when he's out there and better be paying attention. Great work Dave... looking to wrap up that Rookie of the Year award early this year.

Honorable Mention: Matt Elliot with a pair of assists on the night. Always nice to see some of our winter friends. Same can be said for Dan Gregson who voiced his regret at not playing for the summer while holding a very nice cold BL Limey in one hand and a cigar in the other during the fourth period.

Speaking of the 4th period. Another epic Daveur 4th period to be sure. First of The CEO BMF comes up with the 6 foot Italian Sub of DOOM for the occasion. Just for statistical accuracy the blogger needs to point out that the 6 foot sub REMAINS UNDEFEATED. That's right... when I left at somewhere close to 11:35 there was easily a foot and a half remaining. I can only assume the Sandwich has taken us once again.

The Sandwich was probably aided by the first rate contributions of Miran James (and thanks to Greg for bringing it) who continues to be a 4th period star weather she shows or not. This evening was a fabulous tray of beef and veggie sushi accompanied by a delicious tray of cookies. Major thanks and appreciation to our friend Miran for making our festivities so civilized.
Beer was well handled by a bunch of folks, Howard brought some vintage Schlitz. Campbell had a case of "dont leave home without them" Limeys. I think Gregson or Elliot brought some Harpoon... sorry if i dont get everyone. There was plenty and it was good. Real good.

Another great night in the warmth of the parking lot. Something about the post game brew and chow on a summer night after a tough game. Hanging with our hockey friends in the post game glow. That something ladies and gentlemen... is why we do this. I hope you all enjoyed your hangovers yesterday... I'm sure it was worth it.